Zebaldt Ngaruka
Mariental Sport Club (SC) head coach Mervin Mbakera said it was not easy to hold first position in the Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) first leg battle.
Mbakera said that maintaining the top position in the SSFD is a testament to the club’s resilience and character.
“We started the season strongly, faced a major blow during the minor transition break where we lost 15 players, and had to rebuild within two weeks,” he said.
The head coach said that, naturally, the team’s rhythm and some principles of play were affected, but the players’ response has been outstanding.
Mbakera mentioned that with each game, the team is developing better cohesion and understanding. The dedication demonstrated by both seasoned players and young talents has been remarkable.
“We are averaging 2.09 points per match, which is per the international standard, conceded only two goals in 11 matches, and have remained unbeaten. Those are indicators of strong structure and championship mentality,” said the head coach.
He also gave credit to the club chairperson, the board, the technical team and the club supporters who stand behind the players every day.
Moreover, Mbakera stated that the team is concentrating on ongoing improvements in the second leg and remains dedicated to achieving promotion to the top league.
“The good thing is that all the stakeholders, especially the main protagonist (players), understand our strategic plan. All the glory goes to the Almighty as we go through each challenge with the Incredible Armour of God, Ephesians 6,” said the head coach.
Mariental SC finished the first leg of SSFD as leaders with 23 points from 11 matches, closely challenged by Quiver FC with 22 points, while Try FC again holds third place with 19 points. Ramblers FC, a historic club in the country, is at the bottom of the table with just five points from 11 matches and has secured only one win. Oranjemund FC and Blue Boys FC are also at risk of relegation, though it is early in the season.
In the mid table, things are tight with Date Eleven FC out of the relegation zone while Friends FC, for the second week running, dropped six points at home.
However, at the commencement of the second leg last weekend, Mariental SC dropped four points at home following a one-all draw against Celtic on Saturday and another goalless scoreline on Sunday against coastal outfit Blue Boys.